16 teams play golf tournament in memory of John Purling

The annual Bawburgh golf tournament was held this year in memory of John Purling.

Earlier this year John, a great supporter and fundraiser for R.A.B.I and a member of the Norfolk committee, passed away at the age of 69.

John joined R.A.B.I’s Norfolk committee in 2001 and threw himself into fundraising. As well as founding the Bawburgh golf competition, he also raised thousands of pounds by helping to organise the annual cocktail party at the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association’s showground.

Sally Mitchell, secretary of the Norfolk committee, said: “John was a lovely man. He often appeared laid back, but he was always a driving force. He was extremely kind and generous with his time and always one of the first to offer his help.”

Sixteen teams gathered at the Bawburgh Golf Club in Norfolk to take part in the competition. The Norfolk committee provided homemade cakes and drinks at the half-way house and the golf club put on a dinner after a long day.

Salle Hall Gamekeepers won the team prize with 87 points, while Jayne Jones and NFU mutual’s Neil Kenyon scooped prizes for the longest drives.

In tribute to John, this year’s tournament awarded the Purling Pin to the golfer who scored the most points on selected holes. Dan Cox was the proud winner.